EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — Unions at Boeing are welcoming the company’s recent decision to expand operations in Western Washington.
Machinists local president Tom Wroblewski says it’s a relief after years of seeing Boeing Co. move work from Puget Sound to outside suppliers.
Boeing spokeswoman Cris McHugh said Friday the company plans to expand its composites fabrication and assembly center in south Seattle by year’s end. Eventually, Boeing plans to have about 900 workers at the composites site — a net gain of about 500 workers — who will work on the next version of the 787.
Boeing’s unions criticized the company for its extensive outsourcing of the 787-8. The unions also were unhappy with Boeing’s decision last year to open a second 787 final assembly line in Charleston, S.C., rather than in Everett.
